Propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database

ABSTRACT

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for the automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in a hierarchical database. Higher-level data, such as yearly profit, may be desired to be spread from parent nodes to lower nodes in the store, such as quarters. Parent nodes can be associated with a set of programmatic placeholder nodes. A spreading tool can access or host sequence logic to ensure that data is spread in an order that takes dependencies, or other factors into account. In aspects, the spreading tool can be configured to generate a propagation trace to identify other nodes in the data store that may be connected to or depend on the data content of the recipient child node(s). A set of propagated data changes, such as updates to values, formatting, or other data, can be automatically transmitted to those other nodes upon completion of the original data spreading operations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The subject matter of this application is related to the subject matter of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/570,704, filed Sep. 30, 2009, entitled “Systems and Methods for Distribution of Data in a Hierarchical Database via Placeholder Nodes”, by the same inventor as this application, and being assigned or under assignment to the same entity as this application, and to the subject matter of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/571,009, filed Sep. 30, 2009, entitled “Systems and Methods for Conditioning the Distribution of Data in a Hierarchical Database”, by the same inventor as this application, and being assigned or under assignment to the same entity as this application, each of which applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to systems and methods for the automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database, and more particularly, to systems and techniques for distributing data from parent nodes to a set of child nodes in spreading or other operations, based on rules-based sequencing or other conditioning of the data distribution, followed by the generation of a propagation trace to automatically populate additional nodes in the database with a set of data changes caused by or associated with the spreading event.

BACKGROUND OF RELATED ART

In networked database technologies, hierarchical databases such as online analytical processing (OLAP) databases, extensible markup language (XML)-based data stores, and others are known. During operations with hierarchical data stores, it is sometimes necessary or desirable to add or insert additional data values into nodes which lie beneath the parent node in the hierarchy. For instance, if a parent node stores financial data reflecting annual profit for a corporation or other entity, it may be desired at the same time or a later time to insert lower-level breakdowns of that data over smaller intervals. For example, it may be desired to insert child nodes which store quarterly or monthly profit for that entity. In general, the process of pushing or distributing data down to child nodes or other destinations in the database structure can be referred to as “spreading” the data.

In known database platforms, the ability to perform spreading operations can be constrained or limited by limitations in the data structures and logical operations permitted on those platforms. For one, while platforms may exist which permit a user to insert a new child node at a lower level in relation to a parent node, data may only be distributed down from one parent at a time. If, for instance, annual profit is intended to be expanded or spread down to quarterly profit entries over the last ten years or some other group of years, the user may be forced to manually insert the child nodes and manually perform the spreading, year by year.

For another, when performing distribution of data between nodes or levels in a hierarchical data store, the order in which spreading is performed can have effects which the database engine does not take into account. For instance, when spreading annual profit down to quarterly nodes, it may be necessary to check for special charge offs or other factors against profit in a given quarter, or profit for a first fiscal quarter may be affected by a carry-over entry from the previous fiscal year end. Other factors or dependencies can apply, but existing database platforms do not permit the incorporation of dependency rules or other logic to ensure data accuracy or integrity. Still further, in existing platforms, the associated database engines do not incorporate logic to automatically propagate additional changes throughout the data store once a spreading or distribution event has taken place. For instance, once a recipient node has been updated to reflect a financial value or other variable in new currency or other units, other nodes in the store are not configured to automatically conform those units to ensure data consistency. Other shortcomings in existing database engines exist. It may be desirable to provide systems and methods for automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database which permit the insertion of child levels and distribution of data from multiple parent nodes at the same time, and which permit dependency rules or other logic to be applied.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description, and serve to explain the principles of the present teachings. In the figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall system in which systems and methods for automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database can be implemented, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an illustrative distribution of data from one or more parent levels to one or more child levels in a hierarchical data store, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an illustrative hardware configuration of hardware that can implement a database engine, consistent with various embodiments of the present teachings; and

FIG. 4 illustrates overall processing to generate distributions of data to lower hierarchical levels via placeholder nodes and to generate the propagation of additional sets of data changes to other associated nodes, according to various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present teachings relate to systems and methods for the automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in a hierarchical database. More particularly, embodiments relate to platforms and techniques for accessing a set of hierarchical data, such as data stored in OLAP, XML, or other data sources, and manipulating that data for distribution or spreading to lower hierarchical levels. In embodiments, a set of placeholder nodes can be associated with a set of parent nodes, to act as points for insertion for child nodes or other lower level structures, at a current or later time. In embodiments, the placeholder nodes can store linkages to one or more parent nodes, and in embodiments can be invisible to users of the associated database engine until viewing or spreading operations are desired. In embodiments, the set of placeholder nodes can also further represent programmatically manipulable objects, which, for instance, encode inheritance rules, output pipes, or other linkages, or other logic or functions for the subsequent child nodes inserted in their place or at their location. In embodiments, the set of placeholder nodes can be generated, configured, and managed by a spreading tool of an associated database engine which manages the overall hierarchical data store.

When the spreading of data to child nodes or levels is desired, a user can access the spreading tool and view and manipulate the set of placeholder nodes to insert one or more sets of child nodes configured to receive data from, or data derived from, the corresponding parent node. In embodiments, the spreading tool and/or other logic can access the set of placeholder nodes involved in distribution activity, and use those nodes as insertion points to populate the hierarchical data store with new, additional, and/or updated child nodes to receive data. In embodiments, identical, and/or or related placeholder nodes can be associated with more than one parent node, so that, among other things, a set of child nodes and subsequent distribution of data can be performed from multiple parent nodes at the same time. In embodiments, the spreading tool can delete the set of placeholder nodes when a spreading operation or other distribution has been completed. In embodiments, the spreading tool can in addition or instead retain any placeholder nodes used in a distribution of data to child nodes, for instance to maintain a record of the distribution activity.

In embodiments, the spreading tool can access and apply a set of spreading rules and/or other logic to ensure data integrity or accuracy in view of potential data dependencies, data formatting requirements, and/or other factors affecting the distribution or computation of data stored in or related to the hierarchical database. In embodiments, after the initial or original data spreading operations have taken place, or at other times, the spreading tool and/or other logic can generate a propagation trace to identify nodes which depend on, communicate with, and/or are associated with the recipient child nodes. The spreading tool and/or other logic can then generate and ensure that any necessary or useful updates to those other nodes take place, such as, for example, to transmit some or all of the spread data received in the child node(s) to those associated nodes, to change the units or format of the associated nodes, and/or propagate other updates, changes, or revisions throughout the data store to ensure data consistency and proper operation of the database engine.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present teachings, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where possible the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overall system 100 in which systems and methods for the automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database can operate, according to various embodiments. A set of clients 108 can communicate with a database engine 102 via one or more network 130. database engine 102 can be or include storage, hardware, software, and/or other resources to execute database operations, such as accessing and manipulating OLAP data stores, XML data stores, other database stores, engines, or applications, statistical applications, spreadsheet applications, or other services or applications. database engine 102 can communicate with and manage a hierarchical data store 104, such as an OLAP database, an XML-based database, and/or other data store. Set of clients 108 can be or include, for example, a set of local or remote desktop computers, laptop computers, wireless devices, and/or other machines or devices which communicate with one or more network 130 can be or include, for example, the Internet or other public or private networks. database engine 102 can be or include a server with associated memory, storage, and other resources configured to receive database requests from one or more clients in set of clients 108, and interpret that request to perform database operations on data maintained in data store 104.

As likewise shown in FIG. 1, a user of a client in set of clients 108 can invoke or instantiate spreading tool 106 of database engine 102 via a local application or interface, such as a Web browser, database application, or other software. Spreading tool 106 can, in general, contain logic, storage, and/or other resources to effectuate the distribution, transfer, copying, or other communication of data from parent or other upper-level nodes in data store 104 to child nodes or other destinations via a set of placeholder nodes 114. In aspects, the set of placeholder nodes 114 can serve as placeholders, and can be stored in reserve storage and/or memory locations which can act as insertion points for new or modified child nodes for levels of data that a user may later choose to insert. In embodiments, each placeholder node 114 can act not merely or only as a temporary, shadow, or otherwise passive storage location or object, but as a programmatically configurable object which is capable of establishing inheritance and other properties for the set of child nodes derived from that placeholder. In embodiments, during the distribution of data to any inserted child nodes, spreading tool 106 can access a set of spreading rules 132 to ensure that functional or other dependencies, data formatting, and other data integrity requirements are met. In aspects, spreading tool 106 can likewise generate a propagation trace to detect and identify additional nodes requiring and/or appropriately receiving data changes triggered by or associated with the population of the spread data to the child node(s) and/or other destinations as part of a distribution event.

More particularly, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2, the hierarchical data store 104 can comprise hierarchical data structures including, for instance, a set of parent nodes 112. Set of parent nodes 112 can be linked to a root node 136, illustratively shown as profit for a corporation, although it will be understood that any other data type, category, or format can be used. Set of parent nodes 112 are illustratively shown as encoding a set of annual profit data arranged in parent nodes each representing one year, although, again, other data types and configurations can be used. In aspects, data other than financial data, such as, for example, medical, technical, scientific, and/or other data can be processed according to embodiments of the present teachings.

In embodiments as shown, the set of parent nodes 112 can have an associated set of placeholder nodes 114 linked to them. In embodiments, each parent node in set of parent nodes 112 can have one or more placeholder nodes associated with it. In embodiments, only a subset of set of parent nodes 112 can have an associated set of placeholder nodes 114 established or linked to them. In embodiments, each of the placeholder nodes can constitute a “leaf” node, that is, a node not having any further child nodes. In embodiments, each placeholder node in set of placeholder nodes 114 can occupy a lower level in data store than 104 than its associated parent node, although in aspects the set of placeholder nodes 114 need not all occupy the same level of data store 104. In embodiments, set of placeholder nodes 114 can define data fields and formats that can be used to populate a set of child nodes 116 that will be inserted into data store 104.

In embodiments, when a user of set of clients 108 or other user wishes to access data store 104 and insert new or updated child nodes in that data structure, the user can access spreading tool 106 via network 130. The user can use spreading tool 106 to locate one or more placeholder nodes in set of placeholder nodes 114 via which the user wishes to add one or more set of child nodes 116. In aspects, a user may for instance access a placeholder node in set of placeholder nodes 114 associated with an annual profit node for the year 2001 in set of parent nodes 112. The user can insert, for instance, set of four child nodes representing quarterly profit derived from the annual profit parent node for that year. According to embodiments, the user can direct spreading tool 106 to initiate the spreading or distribution of annual profit data down to the lower-level set of child nodes 116.

Spreading tool 106 can perform the distribution by dividing the annual profit data encoded in the associated parent node (e.g. year 2001 profit as shown) equally into four quarters, and transmitting the resulting set of spread data 134 to each of the set of child nodes 116 associated with that parent node. In embodiments, the set of spread data 134 need not be equally divided over all child nodes associated with the parent node. In embodiments, the same or different set of spread data 134 can be generated and distributed from more than one parent in set of parent nodes 112 at the same time, or as part of the same operation. Other types of child nodes, levels, and formats of set of spread data 134 can be used, including, for instance, monthly profit nodes, as likewise shown in FIG. 2. Other structures, layers, and relationships between levels of information stored in data store 104 can be used.

In embodiments, in addition to defined data structures, each node in set of placeholder nodes 114 can encode or represent a set of specifications for inheritance by set of child nodes 116, or other programmatic information for determining the configuration of set of child nodes 116 or any aspect of their operation. In embodiments, set of placeholder nodes 114 can serve as passive data-structure objects, acting as a reserve storage or insertion point, a database flag, a database event trigger. In embodiments, increased flexibility in data spreading operations can be enhanced by establishing and utilizing set of placeholder nodes with a set of attributes and/or metadata to allow those nodes to operate as programmatic objects in themselves. For instance, in embodiments, set of placeholder nodes 114 can be configured as an event or function that triggers a rule, and can for example form part of the object inheritance from one or more parent nodes, themselves. For example, set of placeholder nodes 114 can be configured to force set of spread data 134 to conform to U.S. dollar figures or format, and for instance to perform currency conversions to that denomination automatically. For further example, set of placeholder nodes 114 can store linkages, interfaces, mappings, and/or relationships to other nodes that will require outputs from the set of child nodes 116, once those nodes are installed and populated with data. Other programmatic settings can be configured in set of placeholder nodes 114. In embodiments, the programmatic settings stored in or associated with set of child nodes 114 can be updated or extended at any time.

It may be noted that in embodiments, spreading tool 106 can condition or process the set of spread data 134 transmitted to one or more child nodes before sending that information, to ensure data integrity or consistency. In embodiments, spreading tool 106 can invoke or access set of spreading rules 132 and/or other logic to ensure that data spread from set of parent nodes 112 is distributed to child nodes in a correct or consistent order. In embodiments, set of spreading rules 132 can specify that certain child nodes whose data or output is needed by other nodes are the first to receive set of spread data 134. In embodiments, set of spreading rules 132 can specify that set of spread data 134 be encoded in or converted to formats required by recipient nodes or other destinations. In embodiments, set of spreading rules 132 can enforce or apply other logic or rules to ensure that set of spread data 134 is transmitted, formatted, computed, or otherwise manipulated to preserve the consistency or integrity of set of spread data 134 and/or any calculations, outputs, and/or services that use or depend on that data. It may be noted that in embodiments, the same or different spreading rules in set of spreading rules 132 can be applied to distributions from two or more parent nodes, in cases where a distribution is carried out from more than one parent node at a time.

In embodiments, and as likewise shown in FIG. 2, spreading tool 106 can be configured to perform various propagation analyses in order to detect and identify additional nodes and/or other destinations affected by or associated with the delivery of set of spread data 134 to one or more child nodes during a distribution event. In aspects, spreading tool 106 and/or other logic can then generate a set of propagated data changes 138 to communicate or transmit to those other associated nodes, to update those nodes with new data, formats, units, connections, and/or other attributes to reflect the new state of the data hosted in set of child nodes 116. More particularly, in aspects as shown, spreading tool 106 can generate or conduct a propagation trace, or other report or action to locate and identify nodes that communicate with, share data with, or otherwise depend on or interact with the subject nodes in set of child nodes 116. For example, any other parent, lateral, and/or child node or other destination which shares a value, variable, quantity, and/or other data with a child node receiving set of spread data 134 or portions thereof can be identified. In embodiments, the set of affected or associated nodes identified in the propagation trace can be enumerated in set of recipient nodes 140 by spreading tool 106. Set of recipient nodes 140 can be identified and prepared for the delivery of a set of propagated data changes 138 to be transmitted to those affected or associated nodes, for purposes of updating their data and/or attributes for consistency with the newly received values in set of child nodes 116. In aspects, set of propagated data changes 138 can be or include, for example, some or all of the set of spread data 134 which was received in the child node or nodes which received that distributed data. In aspects, set of propagated data changes 138 can be or include other data not necessarily included in the set of spread data 134, itself. In aspects, set of propagated data changes 138 can be or include other information, such as, for instance, the formatting, units, and/or other metadata related to the set of recipient nodes 140. For example, if set of spread data 134 contains technical or scientific data recorded in metric units, set of propagated data changes 138 can be or include data, commands, or instructions to set of recipient nodes 140 to change data stored in English or other units to metric format. Other types of data and/or metadata can be contained in set of propagated data changes 138. It may be noted that in embodiments, spreading tool 106 and/or other logic can likewise be configured to perform a propagation trace and transmission of set of propagated data changes 138, then conduct a second-order or second-stage trace with the propagation of secondary updates to nodes connected to and/or affected by the changes received in set of recipient nodes 140. That process of identifying further-order updates or changes due to revisions to the state of data store 104 can be repeated a third, fourth, and/or other desired number of times. In embodiments, the propagation traces and updates can, for instance, be automatically repeated until no additional nodes require updating due to changes in the data population. Other conditions can be used. In embodiments, a user can manually specify the number of repetitions or depth to which propagation processing takes place. It may be noted that while FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments involving transmission of set of propagated data changes 138 to one data store 104, in embodiments, set of propagated data changes 138 and/or set of spread data 134 can be distributed to multiple data stores and/or other destinations or locations.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary configuration of database engine 102 which can be used in systems and methods for automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database, according to embodiments. In embodiments as shown, database engine 102 can comprise a processor 120 communicating with memory 122, such as electronic random access memory, operating under control of or in conjunction with operating system 126. Operating system 126 can be, for example, a distribution of the Linux™ operating system, the Unix™ operating system, or other open-source or proprietary operating system or platform. Processor 120 also communicates with data store 104, such as a local or remote database, which can be stored, for instance, on one or more hard drives, optical drives, magnetic drives, electronic memory, and/or other storage. Processor 120 further communicates with network interface 124, such as an Ethernet or wireless data connection, which in turn communicates with one or more network 130, such as the Internet or other public or private networks. Processor 120 can, for example, communicate with set of clients 108 via one or more network 130. Processor 120 also communicates with database engine 102, spreading tool 106, set of spreading rules 132, and/or and other resources to control the processing of hierarchical data including transfer of data between set of parent nodes 112, set of placeholder nodes 114, set of child nodes 116, and/or other nodes, entries, fields, and/or locations. Other configurations of database engine 102, associated network connections, and other hardware and software resources are possible.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of data processing operations that can be used in systems and methods for automatic propagation of data changes in distribution operations in hierarchical database, according to various embodiments. In 402, processing can begin. In 404, a hierarchical data store 104 can be accessed via database engine 102, for instance, by request from a client in set of clients 108, or other request. In 406, one or more parent nodes in set of parent nodes 110 can be selected with which or in which to insert a set of placeholder nodes 114. In 408, set of placeholder nodes 114 can be associated with one or more parent nodes in set of parent nodes 110, for instance, by selection or input by a user. In embodiments, a functional relationship between the one or more parent nodes and set of placeholder nodes 114 can be defined, such as, for example, to define set of placeholder nodes 114 to contain or represent a division of annual profit stored in the associated parent node over quarters or other periods. In embodiments, a functional relationship need not be defined when configuring set of placeholder nodes 114. In embodiments, a functional relationship can be defined or updated at various later times.

In 410, set of placeholder nodes 114 can be stored to data store 104 or other storage, as appropriate. In 412, spreading tool 106 and/or other logic can receive user input or other instructions to insert one or more child nodes of one or more corresponding parent node(s) at one or more insertion points represented by one or more placeholder nodes in set of placeholder nodes 114. For example, a set of four child nodes representing annual quarters can be established as lower level nodes of a parent node encoding annual profit for a corporation or other entity. In embodiments, the inserted set of child nodes 116 can each occupy the same hierarchical level in data store 104. It may be noted that in embodiments, there may be a one-to-one relationship between a placeholder node and a child node to be introduced at the insertion point represented by the placeholder node. In embodiments, more than one child node may be inserted at the insertion point represented by the placeholder node. Likewise, in embodiments, two or more child nodes in the set of child nodes 116 can occupy different hierarchical levels in data store 104. In embodiments, the inserted set of child nodes 116 can be associated with more than one parent node. For example, in instances the same set of child nodes 116 can be duplicated as newly inserted nodes linked to two or more parent nodes.

In 414, the set of child nodes 116 identified or configured for insertion can be established and/or built in data store 104, for instance, by storing links to one or more parent nodes along with metadata such as functional relationships with the parent node(s) and/or fellow child nodes. Other configuration data can be specified and/or stored. In 416, spreading tool 106 can access a set of spreading rules 132 to ensure that dependencies are observed, and/or other rules are applied in the generation of set of child nodes 116 and/or the distribution or insertion of data into those nodes. For instance, before storing profit to a child node, for example, for Q2 of year 2010, spreading tool 106 can check set of spreading rules 132 whether another node for charge-offs or other special transactions or modifications applies to that time period. For further instance, spreading tool 106 can check set of spreading rules 132 to determine whether a certain type of data format is required for compatibility with the corresponding parent node, an additional node which will receive output from the child node, or by other nodes or functions of data store 104 or otherwise.

In 418, data from the corresponding parent node(s) can be inserted, distributed, and/or spread to one or more associated child nodes in set of child nodes 116. For instance, data for annual profit can be divided over four quarters and spread or inserted into a set of child nodes 116 representing that set of time periods or other intervals. For further instance, data for seismic pressure readings can be spread over different nodes representing different geographic regions. Other types, configurations, and spreading operations can be used.

In 420, spreading tool 106 can generate and/or initiate a propagation trace from the one or more child nodes receiving the set of spread data 134, to identify an associated set of recipient nodes 140 and/or other nodes affected by the receipt of data in the target child node(s). In aspects, spreading tool 106 can for instance identify all parent nodes, child nodes, lateral nodes, and/or other nodes which have or maintain a pipe, channel, and/or other connection to the child node or nodes in set of child nodes 116 which have received set of spread data 134. In aspects, one or more of those connected or associated nodes may therefore require or appropriately receive newly populated, revised, and/or otherwise updated or changed data values, attributes, and/or other information from the recipient child node or nodes.

In 422, spreading tool 106 and/or other logic can generate set of propagated data changes 138 to encode necessary or useful data updates for dissemination to set of recipient nodes 140 and/or other nodes which are affected by and/or associated with the child node(s) receiving newly populated and/or revised data. In 424, spreading tool 106 and/or other logic can transmit set of propagated data changes 138 to set of recipient nodes 140 and/or other target or destination nodes or locations. In aspects, set of propagated data changes 138 can be or include set of spread data 134, itself, such as when the resulting quantity distributed to the subject nodes in set of child nodes 116 requires or operates on the same variable or other data as encoded in the child node(s). In aspects, set of propagated data changes 138 can comprise other data or information, other than set of spread data 134. For instance, if the result of a data spreading operation to one or more child nodes results in financial variables being changed in currency units from U.S. dollars to European ecus, or other conversions in units take place, spreading tool 106 can encode instructions for the changing of currency or other units in other parent, child, and/or lateral nodes or other destinations to be changed or conformed to the corresponding unit or value, to ensure data consistency as well as integrity in further calculations on data store 104. Other types of data, commands, and/or configuration updates can be encoded and transmitted in set of propagated data chances 138 and associated data and/or transmissions.

In 426, spreading tool 106 and/or other logic can determine and/or perform any second-order, second-stage, and/or other or additional data changes to propagate to the set of recipient nodes 140 and/or other nodes or destinations based on set of propagated data changes 138, as appropriate. For instance, if set of propagated data changes 138 includes a change in temperature units used in an industrial process from Fahrenheit to Celsius degree units, it may be necessary for spreading tool 106 to change the alarm limit for a fluid overheating event or other trigger to a different value. Other second-order dependencies or changes are possible. In 428, data engine 102 can run or perform database operations on data store 104, including set of parent nodes 110 and/or any newly configured or updated set of child nodes 116, for instance, to run reports on that information, merge data between nodes or files, or perform other computations/operations. In 430, spreading tool 106 can store one or more nodes of set of placeholder nodes 114, for instance to data store 104 or other local or remote storage, to store a log of the configuration history of data store 104, data distributions performed in data store 104, or other records of database operations. In embodiments, spreading tool 106 can also or instead delete one or more nodes of set of placeholder nodes 114, for instance, when it is determined that the placeholder node(s) will no longer be needed for spreading or other data operations. In 432, processing can repeat, return to a prior processing point, jump to a further processing point, or end.

The foregoing description is illustrative, and variations in configuration and implementation may occur to persons skilled in the art. For example, while embodiments have been described in which data store 104 can consist of or contain explicit OLAP and/or XML-based databases, in embodiments, other types or categories of data sources or formats can be included in data store 104.

Similarly, while embodiments have been described in which a single database engine 102 generates and manages data store 104, in embodiments multiple database engines, for example hosted on multiple servers, can cooperate to generate multiple parent/child mappings, placeholder linkages, distributions, and/or other actions to manage and manipulate hierarchical data. Similarly, while embodiments have been described in which data is hosted and managed in one data store 104, in embodiments, multiple data stores can be used. For further example, while embodiments have been described in which database engine 102 supports database operations including data spreading in connection with a set of local or remote clients 108, in networked fashion, in embodiments database engine 102 and/or other machines or resources can be configured to operate on a stand-alone basis.

For still further example, while embodiments have been described in which set of propagated data changes 138 are generated at one time, in embodiments, set of propagated data changes 138 or portions thereof can be generated and/or transmitted at different times and/or under different conditions. Other resources described as singular or integrated can in embodiments be plural or distributed, and resources described as multiple or distributed can in embodiments be combined. The scope of the present teachings is accordingly intended to be limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a processor, data to be inserted in a hierarchical database; associating, by the processor, a plurality of child nodes with a parent node in the hierarchical database; generating, by the processor, a distribution of the data from the parent node to the plurality of child nodes in view of a rule specifying that a child node of the parent node having data used by another node in the hierarchical database is to receive data from the parent node before at least one other child node of the parent node; distributing, by the processor, the data from the parent node to the plurality of child nodes in view of the distribution; and generating, by the processor, a propagation trace to identify a plurality of recipient nodes affected by the distribution, the plurality of recipient nodes to receive a plurality of propagated data changes in view of the distribution.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting the plurality of propagated data changes to the plurality of recipient nodes.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising generating a plurality of second-order data changes in view of a population of the plurality of recipient nodes with the plurality of propagated data changes.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of propagated data changes comprises at least one of the data distributed to the plurality of child nodes or a plurality of attributes associated with the data distributed to the plurality of child nodes.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating of the distribution is further in view of at least one of a rule related to a data dependency in the data, a rule related to formatting of the data, or a rule related to routing of output of the plurality of child nodes to other nodes.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein a first child node of the parent node receives a first datum and a second child node of the parent node receives a second datum that is different than the first datum in view of the distribution.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein distributing the data comprises distributing a plurality of placeholder nodes associated with the parent node.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of placeholder nodes encode a plurality of inheritance classes defining the plurality of child nodes.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the data comprises at least one of medical, technical, scientific, or financial data.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the hierarchical database comprises at least one of an online analytical processing (OLAP) data source or an extensible markup language (XML)-based data source.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the parent node comprises a plurality of parent nodes.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the data are distributed from at least two of the plurality of parent nodes.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least two of the parent nodes are in different levels of the hierarchical database.
 14. A system, comprising: an interface to a hierarchical database; and a processor, coupled to the interface, to: receive data to be inserted in the hierarchical database, associate a plurality of child nodes with a parent node in the hierarchical database, generate a distribution of the data from the parent node to the plurality of child nodes in view of a rule that specifies that a child node of the parent node having data used by another node in the hierarchical database is to receive data from the parent node before at least one other child node of the parent node, distribute the data from the parent node to the plurality of child nodes in view of the distribution, and generate a propagation trace to identify a plurality of recipient nodes affected by the distribution, the plurality of recipient nodes to receive a plurality of propagated data changes in view of the distribution.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is further to transmit the plurality of propagated data changes to the plurality of recipient nodes.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further to generate a plurality of second-order data changes in view of the population of the plurality of recipient nodes with the plurality of propagated data changes.
 17. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of propagated data changes comprises at least one of the data distributed to the plurality of child nodes or a plurality of attributes associated with the data distributed to the plurality of child nodes.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein to generate the distribution is to generate the distribution in view of at least one of a rule related to a data dependency in the data or a rule related to formatting of the data.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein to distribute the data is to distribute a plurality of placeholder nodes associated with the parent node.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the first datum is different than the data and the second datum is different than the data. 